V4 for 3rd Mission - Third mission of higher education and innovation networks in the Visegrad Group

Professional networking conference

On the occasion of the Hungarian Presidency of the Visegrad Group in parallel with Hungary’s HEInnnovate activities, the Ministry of Human Capacities and Tempus Public Foundation in collaboration with AmCham Hungary organizes an international professional networking conference.

The conference aims to bring together stakeholders of innovation networks to discuss and present best practices of multilateral cooperations for smart cities and regional development.

The language of the conference is English without translation. Participation is free upon registration.

Objectives of the conference

> to discuss and present third mission activities of HEIs in the V4 region,> to present best practices of cooperation between HEIs, municipalities, business partners, professional organisations and civil society –with a special focus on smart cities,> to discuss the entrepreneurial ecosystem around higher education institutions (technology transfer and knowledge exchange, possibilities for creating spin-offs and start- ups in different countries),> to discuss about intellectual property and industrial rights management and regulation,> to come up with suggestions on how to create a more supportive ecosystem that can strengthen the university’s role in the creation and management of intellectual property,> to discuss the legislation specifics of the acquisition of title, valuation, management and utilization of IP by universities in the V4 countries, > to create a common V4 HEInnovate professional platform in order to encourage cooperation and networking for strengthening third mission of HEIs and to enhance entrepreneurship and innovation in the region.

Participants

The conference calls upon professionals from higher education, representatives from municipalities and local governments,business and industrial partners, civil actors in order to identify challenges, to discuss potential cooperation opportunities and to find solutions based on common interests.

Background

The conference builds upon the recommendations of the OECD/EC HEInnovate joint report “Supporting Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Higher Education in Hungary”, on the policy action plan for 3rd mission of universities compiled by the Ministry of Human Capacities and also on the proposals and suggestions of the Hungarian HEInnovate professional platform formed with participation of HEI, business and professional representatives.

Rationale

There is a growing expectation for universities to (pro)actively contribute to the social and economic development of their closer and wider region. This requires that their structures, teaching, research and knowledge management activities have the purpose to meet societal requirements, economic and environmental challenges.

“Third mission” of higher education institutions supposes that the interests of all stakeholders should be taken into consideration. It means that universities collaborate not only with the business and industrial sector, but also with municipalities and local governments, professional organisations and civil society in a view of environment, cultural aspects and sustainability.

All these challenges require critical and entrepreneurial mindset, crea(c)tivity, and innovative attitude from the part of all actors of the scene. A favourable ecosystem is alsi inevitable for encouragement of these new forms of collaborations, knowledge exchange, technology transfers, support for entrepreneurship, innovation and proper management of intellectual and industrial property rights.